Rugby doesn't happen without countless volunteer hours behind the scenes.

We all know someone who is first to arrive at the club rooms on a Saturday morning and usually the last to leave. There are the people who are setting up fields with frost still covering the grass, serving up the post-match feed, washing mud out of jerseys, organising the raffle or making sure someone is bringing the half time oranges.

These are the people who keep our rugby club wheels turning.

To kick off National Volunteer Week, three integral parts of the Canterbury rugby community were recognised at the Volunteering Canterbury Awards for the time, energy and care they pour into our code week after week.

Anna Leach from Parklands Rugby Club, Jimmy Wells from Linwood Rugby Club and Canterbury Rugby Union's Match Day Officials were all honoured on the night, recognised among volunteers from right across the region for a variety of not-for-profit organisations. While only a handful of names were called to the stage, the recognition reflects the contribution of hundreds of volunteers who help rugby happen every weekend across Canterbury.

The Canterbury Rugby Union’s Match Day Officials award was accepted by Canterbury Rugby Referee Association Chairman Peter Nelson, alongside referees Baxter Robinson-Kennard, Ryan Palmer and Rob Goodman.

The award was a surprise for Nelson, who said he had no idea the group had even been put forward. “Steady [Allan Stead, Canterbury Rugby Game Developer-Match Officials] rang me a couple of weeks ago and told me. That was the first I knew of it” Nelson said.

“It was very nice to be recognised, I have to say. There was a lovely response from the crowd when they announced rugby referees got it, it was quite nice” Nelson said, “You don’t do it for that. We’re just a group of guys and girls that go and do what we do because we enjoy it.”

Canterbury Rugby Union was the only sporting organisation to nominate its Match Day Officials, recognising the contribution of referees, their mentors and sideline managers across the province.

From travelling long distances to games, attending training during the week and mentoring the next generation of officials, being part of the Match Day Officials group extends far beyond the 80 mins on a Saturday. “There’s a lot of travel to do those games as well. They all do it voluntarily and they love it, and it’s fabulous” said Nelson.

The diversity within the referee community was another point of pride for Nelson, with volunteers ranging from 14 years old to long serving members in their 80’s who continue to contribute each week.

From Parklands Rugby Club, Secretary Anna Leach was recognised for the countless hours she dedicates behind the scenes to keep the club running smoothly. Also recognised was Linwood Rugby Club's Jimmy Wells, who has served over 20 years as the Club Captain and has become a familiar face both within the club and the wider community.

While their roles may look vastly different, Anna, Jimmy and our Match Day Officials all share something in common - a willingness to give their time so others can enjoy the game.

Because at the end of the day, if there are no volunteers, there is no rugby.

National Volunteer Week has wrapped up for another year, but for rugby volunteers it is business as usual. This weekend, while players run onto fields across our province, there will be countless people behind the scenes making sure those games can happen.

To Anna, Jimmy, our Match Day Officials and every individual across our community who gives their time to rugby in Canterbury - THANK YOU.

We quite simply couldn’t do it without you.

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Words by Hannah Yates

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